Primary Times - the definitive what’s on and where to go family guide of activities and events for children of primary school age. Things to do with your kids during the school holidays including arts and craft activities, music and theatre for children, parties, competitions, days out, and family attractions along with term time drama schools, dance classes, after school clubs and sports activities. Things to do at a place near you!
What's On in Dorset
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May The Toys Be With You
4th March-20th April 2024
Venue: Museum of East Dorset
Website: www.museumofeastdorset.co.uk
Exhibition celebrating the Star Wards highly collectable vintage toy line and the iconic design work and art of the Star Wars
Rooted in the Ruins Family Quest
16th April-18th July 2024
Venue: Corfe Castle
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/corfe-castle
On this family quest discover the positive and negative impacts that the local wildlife and wildflowers can have on a 1000 year old ruin. Hunt the ruins for the quest boards on the castle, note down your...
Storytime at the Museum
18th-18th April 2024
Venue: Dorset Museum and Art Gallery
Website: www.dorsetmuseum.org
Join in for a fun-filled Storytime where you can listen to some amazing tales in the Community Space at the Museum
Family Fun Party Session at Lemur Landings
19th-19th April 2024
Venue: Lemur Landings
Website: www.lemurlandings.co.uk/events
Family fun party session - liven up your weekend with this new family party session with a DJ and disco as well as the usual play and climbing fun
Cirque: The Greatest Show
20th-20th April 2024
Venue: Weymouth Pavilion
Website: www.weymouthpavilion.com
Circus show for all the family
Community Litter Picks
20th-20th April 2024
Venue: The Minster Green
Address: Wimborne
Website: www.facebook.com/wimbornewaronwaste
Litter picking
Early Bird Walk and Breakfast
20th-20th April 2024
Venue: Brownsea Island
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/brownsea-island
Be led on a wander around the island, lakes and lagoon followed by a breakfast roll and hot beverage in the harbour fronted café - book online
Spring Countryside Show
20th-21st April 2024
Venue: Motcombe Turnpike Showground
Website: www.gillinghamandshaftesburyshow.co.uk
Rural event with exhibits, demonstrations and attractions
Bournemouth Writing Festival
26th-28th April 2024
Venue: Various locations in Dorset
Website: www.bournemouthwritingfestival.co.uk
Weekend of free and ticketed talks, agent 1-2-1s, seminars, panels, performances and workshops - see the website for the full programme
Dorset Spring Show
27th-28th April 2024
Venue: Kingston Maurward
Website: www.dorsetcountyshow.co.uk/dorsetspringshow
Event with demonstrations, entertainment, have a go sessions, shopping, educational zones and more - children go free
Grooving With Pirates
27th-27th April 2024
Venue: Lighthouse Poole
Website: www.lighthousepoole.co.uk
Exciting pirate themed jazz and funk fuelled show especially for 3 to 7 year olds and their grown ups
Loose in The Library
27th-27th April 2024
Venue: Weymouth Library and Learning Centre
Website: www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/libraries-history-culture
See inverterbrates and learn about the insects and their environments
Open Farm Fun Day at Gullivers Farm Shop
27th-27th April 2024
Venue: Gullivers Farm Shop
Website: www.gulliversfarmshop.co.uk
Fun day with games and crafts, live music, meeting animals, a scavenger hunt and tractor rides
Tiger Day Spring
27th-27th April 2024
Venue: The Tank Museum
Website: www.tankmuseum.org
See a WWII tank display and explore The Tank Museum on a day dedicated to the world's most infamous tank. Live tanks in action, expert lectures, Living History and much more
UK Trail Running Festival
28th-28th April 2024
Venue: St Giles House
Address: Wimborne
Website: www.diverseabilities.org.uk
Range of different distances for all abilities - including junior runs and a 2 mile fun run
Charlie Cook's Favourite Book
30th April-2nd May 2024
Venue: Weymouth Pavilion
Website: www.weymouthpavilion.com
Play based on the much-loved Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler story
Sherborne Abbey Festival
2nd-9th May 2024
Venue: Various locations
Website: www.sherborneabbeyfestival.org
Festival hosting world-class performances and showcase local musical talent with a programme of music to suit all tastes and age groups with many activities free and affordably priced
Storytime at the Museum
2nd-2nd May 2024
Venue: Dorset Museum and Art Gallery
Website: www.dorsetmuseum.org
Join in for a fun-filled Storytime where you can listen to some amazing tales in the Community Space at the Museum
Camping at Farmer Palmer's Farm Park
3rd-6th May 2024
Venue: Farmer Palmer's Farm Park
Website: www.farmerpalmers.co.uk
Unique and family-friendly experience
Teddy Rocks Festival
3rd-5th May 2024
Venue: Charisworth Farm
Website: www.teddyrocks.co.uk
3 day family friendly music event raising funds for children with cancer
Dorset Team Spring Fair 2024
4th-4th May 2024
Venue: The Allendale Centre
Website: www.theallendale.org
60 stalls by local makers and creatives
Go Nuts at Monkey world
4th-6th May 2024
Venue: Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre
Website: www.monkeyworld.org
Every child who brings an unopened bag of nuts for the primates receives a free Monkey World badge over the bank holiday weekend
The Dorset Balloon Festival
4th-5th May 2024
Venue: Dorchester Showground
Website: www.dorsetballoonfestival.com
Two action packed days of hot air balloons, live music and entertainment including meeting the pilots, Night Glow demonstrations, artists and tribute acts, monster trucks and stunt shows, massive family...
Visiting Loco Weekend
4th-5th May 2024
Venue: Moors Valley Country Park
Website: www.moorsvalleyrailway.co.uk
See visiting locos take over the railway for the weekend
Bournemouth Comic Con and Gaming Festival
5th-5th May 2024
Venue: BH Live Active
Address: Littledown
Website: www.ukcgf.com
Photo opportunities, traders, cosplay and more
May Bank Holiday: Tracks and Wheels
6th-6th May 2024
Venue: The Tank Museum
Website: www.tankmuseum.org
Event combining wheeled and tracked vehicles with stunt bike shows, motorbikes and supercars, kids interactive activities and more
Taste of West Dorset Market
11th-12th May 2024
Venue: Mapperton
Website: www.mapperton.com/events
Celebration of local flavours with the region's finest food and drink artisans - see the website for more details
Dorset Blind Association Motor Show
12th-12th May 2024
Venue: Lulworth
Website: www.lulworth.com
Over 200 classic and super cars, motorbikes and all types of motor vehicles. Free event but donations to Dorset Blind Association greatly appreciated
Magic of Thailand Festival
18th-19th May 2024
Venue: Baiter Park,
Address: Poole
Website: www.magicofthailand.co.uk
Authentic Thai cuisine, Muay Thai Boxing, Thai markets, children's rides, traditional dance and music and more. Under 15s go free
Now That's What I call Mainstage
18th-19th May 2024
Venue: Pavilion Dance South West
Website: www.pdsw.org
All-singing and and dancing production of Performing Arts celebrating some of the music industry's greatest legends
The Cheese and Chilli Festival
18th-19th May 2024
Venue: Christchurch
Website: www.cheeseandchillifestival.com
Themed activities, live music, challenges, entertainment, family fun and more
Open Garden at Manor Farm, Hampreston
19th-19th May 2024
Venue: Wimborne
Website: www.findagarden.ngs.org.uk
Visit this traditional farmhouse garden designed and cared for over 100 years. Children go free - book online
Taylormania
19th May-19th April 2024
Venue: Weymouth Pavilion
Website: www.weymouthpavilion.com
Taylor Swift tribute show with a live band and dancers
Community Litter Picks
22nd-22nd May 2024
Venue: The Fairtrade Shop in the Cornmarket, Wimborne
Website: www.facebook.com/wimbornewaronwaste
Litter pick
Bear Weekend at Wimborne Model Town and Gardens
25th-26th May 2024
Venue: Wimborne Model Town
Website: www.wimborne-modeltown.com
Bear themed activities - see website for details
Christchurch Food Festival
25th-25th May 2024
Venue: Christchurch
Website: www.christchurchfoodfest.co.uk
Exciting activities and entertainment for the whole family with live cooking demonstrations by renowned chefs, interactive workshops and tastings, live music performances and children's activities
LEGO Walk
25th-25th May 2024
Venue: Gather,
Address: Dolphin Shopping Centre
Website: www.diverseabilities.org.uk
Take on the LEGO Walk and help raise valuable funds for Diverse Abilities
Swanage Pirate Festival 2024
25th-26th May 2024
Venue: Swanage
Website: www.swanage.events/swanage-pirate-festival
Family friendly pirate themed festival with living history displays, talks and stalls as well as a range of food and drink stands. Free entry
Open Gardens - The Old Vicarage
26th-26th May 2024
Venue: East Orchard
Address: Shaftesbury
Website: www.findagarden.ngs.org.uk
Visit this well-established garden with new additional wildlife garden - children go free
Ultimate festivals
26th-28th May 2024
Venue: Upton Country Park
Website: www.ultimate-festivals.com
Three days of music with Legends Night on Friday, Rock/Indie on Saturday and 90s/00's on Sunday
Corfe Castle Village May Fair 2024
27th-27th May 2024
Venue: Corfe Castle
Website: www.corfecastle.co.uk/events
Annual village fete with games, crafts and face painting with an opportunity to purchase plants, produce and gifts made and grown locally. Family friendly event with free entry
Sherborne Castle Country Fair and Rare Breeds Show
27th-27th May 2024
Venue: Sherborne Castle
Website: www.sherbornecountryfair.com
Lakeside event highlighting traditional rural skills
Moth Mania Workshop 2024
29th-29th May 2024
Venue: Carey's Secret Garden
Website: www.bookings.careyssecretgarden.co.uk
One hour workshop themed around moths with activities
Seasonal family bushcraft workshops
31st-31st May 2024
Venue: Brownsea Island
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/brownsea-island
Bushcraft workshop with a local expert with wood carving, fire lighting skills, animal tracking to foraging and den building suitable for age 5+ through to teens and adults
Swanage Fairy Festival
31st May-1st June 2024
Venue: Sandpit Field
Address: Swanage
Website: www.facebook.com/swanagefairyfestival
Event with mischievious pixies, swashbuckling pirates, magical mermaid and fairies, craft stalls and more
Easter Hunt at Moors Valley Country Park
Venue: Moors Valley Country Park
Website: www.moors-valley.co.uk/easter
Find the hidden giant Easter egg shapes around Moors Valley - solve the riddles, spot the eggs and write down the letters to work out the hidden answer